IT'S full steam ahead at Carnforth Railway station where a £1 million renovation scheme was officially unveiled this week.

Morecambe MP Geraldine Smith opened the new-look station, which is being transformed to resemble the 1940s glory days of the classic film, Brief Encounter.

The phase one work includes refurbishing the platforms and installing new lighting and plans are in the pipeline for a Brief Encounter themed restaurant, heritage centre and lecture theatre.

The work will be completed at the end of 2003 and it is hoped the project will attract tourists heading to the Lakes and bring in extra investment for the town.

One of the organisers said: "This is the launching pad to put Carnforth back on the map."